EIA: US crude oil production in July highest in 27 yearsReutersU.S. crude oil production averaged an estimated 8.5 million barrels per day in July, the highest level since April 1987, the Energy Information Administration said. In its monthly short term energy outlook, the EIA also raised its crude production forecasts for this year to 8.5 million barrels per day from its previous estimate of 8.42 million barrels per day.

Keystone, other energy measures part of 'consolidated' house bill for SeptemberDaily Environment Report via Bloomberg BNA Previously passed legislation approving the Keystone XL pipeline, expanding access to oil production on federal lands and limiting environmental regulations will be included as part of a "consolidated energy package" that will be considered by the House in September, according to Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-California. Those measures are among the 43 House-passed pieces of legislation that Republicans say are lingering in the Senate without a vote.

Massachusetts passes thermal energy billACHR NewsThe Massachusetts House of Representatives passed a comprehensive renewable thermal energy bill that will promote the use of clean renewable fuels and technologies to heat and cool buildings. Passed unanimously by the Massachusetts Senate on June 19, the bill is expected to be signed by Gov. Deval Patrick and go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015.

Better Than New WarrantySid Harvey’s, the world’s largest heating components remanufacturer offers a warranty that is one year longer than new counterparts up to 5 years. We offer over 1,700 remanufactured components to save you time and money on service calls and lower your inventory cost. www.sidharvey.com

UPDATES FROM OESP

The importance of safetyOESPOne of the most important things that a technician must be aware of is safety. Service managers continually remind their techs to pay attention, wear protective eyewear, protect their back and avoid distractions while driving, just to name a few.

One technician who works for Dominion Power took safety seriously and created a fun but informative video about the importance of safety.

The music might not be for everyone but the message is clear. You just might want to share it with your employees.

NORA/NATE CEUs?OESPWe are making it easy for you and your technicians to get important NORA or NATE CEUs. Just join us Sept. 22-23m in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, for a host of educational topics. We promise there is something for everyone. You can view our selection of classes along with outlines. And here is a simple agenda that you can share with your boss so they know how much you can gain by attending our 2nd Roadshow.

Need a hotel room?OESPThere is still time to make your reservation by calling the Wyndham Hotel directly — at 717-330-0020 — and referencing ther OESP Roadshow. Or when you are on the Roadshow page, you will find the link. Reserve your spot today.

Is real efficiency from the HVAC equipment or the system?Contracting BusinessService companies and their customers across the country have embraced the idea that unless the duct system performs well, the rated equipment energy efficiency means little. Let's take a look at typical duct system upgrades necessary to deliver the efficiency promised on the yellow sticker.

Solar and wind power more expensive than thoughtOilPrice.comA new study from the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank, argues that using solar and wind energy may be the most expensive alternatives to carbon-based electricity generation, even though they require no expenditures for fuel. The paper, by economist Charles Frank, compares the benefits and costs of renewable energy.

5 tested ways to keep your customers coming backFuel FixSmall businesses know better than anyone how important it is to find a way to keep customers coming back. But how do you get customers to return again and again? Luckily, with powerful channels like email, social, mobile and social, it's never been easier for businesses to stay in touch with customers and generate the repeat business they need to succeed. Here are five things you can do to get that repeat business from your customers.

API analyst says Ohio just getting started with Utica ShaleThe Repository via The Independent Ohio has only seen the tip of the iceberg when it comes to developing the Utica Shale, said Rayola Dougher, senior economic adviser for the American Petroleum Institute. Across the country, shale oil development is reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil and fueling the economy, said Dougher. Utica Shale drilling — currently focused in a half dozen southeastern Ohio counties — should complement Ohio's existing manufacturing base

System control offers increased HVAC efficiency for smaller buildingsEnvironmental LeaderNew technology has made heating, venting and air conditioning building automation systems available and affordable for small- and mid-sized buildings, which can result in considerable savings over the life of a building, according to HPAC Engineering. In light-commercial buildings, packaged rooftops or heat pumps are controlled almost exclusively with thermostats. However, in a 2004 New Buildings Institute study, 91 percent of the packaged rooftop units tested had at least one problem that increased cooling energy consumption by 5 to 40 percent.

Why HVAC contractors should blogContracting BusinessDo you blog? Should you blog? A blog is a marketing tool. You use it to create awareness, generate visibility and to create a dialog with your current and potential customers. In addition, a blog will generate content and "chum" the Internet, forcing your name to bubble up to the surface of web searches. In a world of smart phones where customers research everything, you want people to find you easily. The question is, how do you use that tool to your advantage?

Explosive US solar power growth and jobsCleanTechnicaIt's no secret to those who work in energy that the solar industry is among the fastest-growing power sectors in this country, as well as worldwide. And many people don't realize it, but U.S. solar power growth has a hugely positive impact on employment. In 2013 alone, the global solar industry expanded by 100 percent, amounting to 2.3 million jobs worldwide. Oanh Nguyen of The Refrigeration School, a fast-track climate control training program, has posted some very informative stats on U.S. solar power growth, use and demand on the school's website.

3 leadership tips for performance coachingBy Greg Witz The business world is changing. Team members are not looking for bosses, but leaders. This holds particularly true for millennials, who want to be coached in the workplace. With the right guidance, they will perform beyond expectations. The challenge is that many leaders are not equipped with the tools to effectively coach their teams and team members for maximum performance. Here are three tips that will make your coaching sessions more effective.

8 business expenses you should stop paying forSmall Business TrendsIn the excitement of starting up, it can be tempting to invest in things you don't really need. When was the last time you took a step back, examined your business expenses and figured out where your money could best be used?